Finding Your Purpose

Posted on January 09, 2025 by Daniela Otoya, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

At some point in our lives, most of us experience what feels like an identity crisis—a moment or period when we question who we truly are. This can happen during the tumultuous teen years as we carve out the foundation of our identity, but it’s not exclusive to youth. Many people face another round of questioning when they go through significant life transitions. Changing careers, becoming a parent, dealing with a personal loss, or navigating a shift in relationships can all throw us into the depths of self-reflection, where we grapple with who we are and what we’re truly meant to do in this world.

In fact, any number of external factors—from the loss of a loved one to societal expectations, mental health struggles, and even personal experiences like growing up in an environment that stifled your self-expression—can lead us to question our sense of self. What happens in these moments of uncertainty is that we’re forced to confront the question: Who am I?

But beyond this internal questioning, there’s another layer to explore—our purpose in the external world. This journey of discovering one’s identity is not just about who we are on the inside, but also about how we fit into the broader world around us. Our sense of purpose often evolves in response to what is happening externally, what we value, and what role we feel called to play in the lives of others and in society as a whole.

Getting to Know Yourself on a Deeper Level
The search for purpose often begins with understanding yourself as a person—your values, strengths, and desires. In this process, reflection is key. You can start by asking yourself questions like:

What activities make me feel truly alive and engaged?

Who are the people in my life who inspire and challenge me?

When do I feel most at peace, most in tune with myself?

Taking time for reflection allows you to discern what is truly important to you, and more importantly, to start noticing where external pressures may have influenced your choices. For instance, think about the people who have shaped your worldview—family members, friends, teachers—and how their influence has impacted who you’ve become. Are these influences aligned with your authentic self, or have they led you to live out someone else’s version of success?

Taking stock of these influences will help you uncover the elements of your identity that are truly yours, and which parts might need to be let go. You can start by journaling your thoughts or speaking them aloud. The more you externalize your inner world, the clearer the picture becomes. Ask yourself, “If I wasn’t worried about what others think, what would I do differently? Who would I be without the labels or expectations of the world?”

Moving Toward Alignment with Your Purpose
As you gain clarity on your internal landscape, the next step is to look outward: How can your unique gifts, strengths, and values serve the world around you? Finding your purpose in the external world is about connecting what you love and care about with what others need.

It’s easy to get caught up in external validation, but true purpose comes from aligning your external actions with your internal truths. To do this, you might start by asking:

What problems do I feel passionate about solving?

How can I make a positive impact on my community, my work, or the world at large?

What role do I want to play in others’ lives? How can I serve them?

Purpose is often found in the intersection of what you are good at and what the world needs. It’s a dynamic process that requires you to continue engaging with the world, learning from it, and evolving. This doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers immediately; sometimes, it’s a series of small, incremental steps that guide you toward your purpose.

Practicing Mindfulness and Presence
As you explore your purpose in the external world, a powerful practice is mindfulness, especially through meditation. Meditation isn’t just about finding inner peace—it’s about learning to observe your thoughts and emotions from a distance, which can give you a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. When you start observing your thoughts, rather than being consumed by them, you realize that you are not your thoughts. You are the observer. This awareness creates space for you to step back and ask: What is my true purpose in the world?

Practicing presence in nature can also help you ground yourself and find clarity. The external world offers endless opportunities for insight—whether it’s a walk in the park or watching the sunrise, nature’s wisdom is a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect with your inner self.

Discovering Your Higher Self in the World
Once you’ve cultivated a deeper understanding of who you are on the inside and outside, you can begin to access your higher self—what I often call your soul’s purpose. This is the deeper you, the part of yourself that transcends all the roles and labels the world has placed on you. It’s the part of you that knows exactly what you’re meant to do and how you can align your life with this purpose.

You can connect with this higher self through meditation, creative expression, and time spent in solitude or nature. Ask yourself: What makes my heart feel alive? How can I make a meaningful contribution to the world around me?

The external world can act as a mirror, reflecting your innermost desires, strengths, and purpose. When you align your inner self with your outward actions, the path to purpose becomes clearer. This process is not about rigid goals or a linear journey, but about flowing with life and embracing the exploration of who you are and how you relate to the world.

Conclusion: Trust the Journey
Whether you are exploring your internal world or discovering your place in the external one, the journey of self-discovery is a beautiful and transformative process. Be patient with yourself, embrace the uncertainty, and allow space for growth. Your purpose is not a destination—it’s a continuous unfolding of who you are and how you show up in the world. Trust that the answers you seek are already within you, and every step forward is one step closer to living an authentic life, aligned with your true purpose.